Changing Perceptions: Improving the health sector response to sexual assault

As a health care worker you may care for people who have been sexually assaulted whether they disclose to you or not. Learn more about how you can provide support through trauma-informed, culturally safe care and referral to anti-violence services.
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Video: Improving the health sector respo​nse to sexual assault

Report: Changing Perceptions of Sexual Assault

Research findings and recommendations for improving the health care response

Changing Perceptions of Sexual Assault Report coverThe Changing Perceptions of Sexual Assault research project sought to understand the conditions and processes that supported or created barriers for people disclosing sexual assault and accessing sexual assault services in BC.

Decisions about seeking care are influenced by understandings of sexual assault, access to sexual assault services, and perceptions of safety when seeking care. Training is a key means of building and maintaining service providers' capacity for trauma-informed, culturally safe and survivor-centred care. Read the full report (PDF).

Infographic: Sexual Assault is a Health Issue

Whether the sexual assault happened recently or in the past, it is important to provide care that addresses both acute and ongoing health impacts.

Sexual Assault is a Health Issue. You can support patients' health and wellness by providing care that is trauma-informed, patient-centred and coordinatedView the full infographic

Download in poster format (PDF).

Training: Understanding Sexual Assault

Gender-based Violence - We All Can Help; Improving the Health Sector Response. Understanding Sexual AssaultUpdated in 2025 with improved accessibility features and increased interactivity.

Designed for health care workers, this course focuses specifically on the issue of sexual assault - what is consent, what is sexual assault, how you, as a health care worker, can respond to a disclosure of sexual assault, how you can support survivors, provide them with options, make an effective referral and care for yourself.

Register for the Understanding Sexual Assault course.


About the project

Changing Perceptions of Sexual Assault (CPSA) was a research partnership between BC Women's department of Population and Global Health and the Ending Violence Association of BC.

Many thanks to the Community Advisory Board and the participants with lived experience, health leaders and service providers who have entrusted us with their experiences and perspectives.

Funding was provided through the Vancouver Foundation and the Canadian Women’s Foundation, with administrative support from the BC Women’s Health Foundation.

For questions about the Changing Perceptions project or resources, contact: pop.health@cw.bc.ca.

To learn more about the Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA BC), visit: endingviolence.org.

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